Treatment

Hydronephrosis that develops before birth will often resolve on its own without kidney damage, either before or after birth. Your child's kidneys will be monitored until the swelling has gone away.

When necessary, the condition causing the back up of urine will be treated. Treatment options may include:

Medication

Medications may include:

Over-the-counter medication to reduce pain and/or fever

Antibiotics to prevent or treat infection

Surgery

If the hydronephrosis is causing painful symptoms, there are signs of kidney damage, and there is a correctable lesion that will not get better on its own surgery may need to be done to allow urine to flow properly. The type of surgery that is done depends on the cause of your child's hydronephrosis. In rare cases, surgery may need to be done before birth.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent hydronephrosis.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Hydronephrosis. University of California Davis Health System website. Available at:
http://www.ucdmc.ucdavis.edu/urology/downloads/kurzrock%5Fhandouts%5FPDF/Hydronephrosis.pdf. Accessed March 10, 2016.